Ok.
Hopefully we have gotten past the feeling that we have to have DMD's that don't
work for PWMS/CCSVI. What else do we need to do to wean ourselves from some of
the Good, the Bad and the Ugly?
The over-use of antibiotics has caused a new, nasty problem : antibiotic resistant
"super bugs". Antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most critical
public health concerns. Bacteria changes in such a way that it survives the medications
developed to kill them. They grow and multiply, making your pencillin tablets
ineffective or totally useless.
Over the last decade, almost every type of bacteria has become stronger and less responsive to antibiotic treatment. Bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infections are remarkably resilient and can survive drugs designed to kill them. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can quickly spread to others, threatening the community with a new strain of infectious disease that is more difficult to treat. Approximately 75% of bacteria that cause infections in hospitals are resistant to at least one of the drugs most commonly used to treat infections. Gonorrhea, malaria, tuberculosis and childhood ear infections are just a few of the diseases that are becoming more difficult to treat with antibiotic drugs.
Our bodies don't become resistant to antibiotics, microbes become resistant to the drugs. Most people with chronic illnesses ( like us) have had more than our share of medication. It's helpful to know that there are alernatives that are natural and less likely to cause harm.
Over the last decade, almost every type of bacteria has become stronger and less responsive to antibiotic treatment. Bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infections are remarkably resilient and can survive drugs designed to kill them. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can quickly spread to others, threatening the community with a new strain of infectious disease that is more difficult to treat. Approximately 75% of bacteria that cause infections in hospitals are resistant to at least one of the drugs most commonly used to treat infections. Gonorrhea, malaria, tuberculosis and childhood ear infections are just a few of the diseases that are becoming more difficult to treat with antibiotic drugs.
Our bodies don't become resistant to antibiotics, microbes become resistant to the drugs. Most people with chronic illnesses ( like us) have had more than our share of medication. It's helpful to know that there are alernatives that are natural and less likely to cause harm.
The
digestive system is the lion's share of our immune system. Intestinal flora protects the immune system by
reinforcing the protective barrier of the intestinal mucosa helping to prevent
the entry of harmful microorganisms. We ingest a nightmare of "foods"
that upset the bacteria balance necessary for a healthy "gut". Probiotics are the
opposite of antibiotics and are defined as live microorganisms. Probiotic
bacteria favorably alter the intestinal microflora balance, inhibit the growth
of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and
increase resistance to infection. People with flourishing intestinal colonies
of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of
disease-causing bacteria. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy
balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds—such as lactic acid,
hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid—that increase the acidity of the intestine
and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Probiotic bacteria also
produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill
undesirable microorganisms.
"Probiotics
are the opposite of antibiotics and are living microorganisms. Probiotic bacteria
favorably alter the intestinal microflora balance, inhibit the growth of
harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase
resistance to infection. People with flourishing intestinal colonies of
beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing
bacteria. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of
intestinal flora by producing organic compounds—such as lactic acid, hydrogen
peroxide, and acetic acid—that increase the acidity of the intestine and
inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. Probiotic bacteria also
produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill
undesirable microorganisms."
Highly processed foods like white flour,
sugar, antacids, chlorine, antibiotics and other medications, environmental
toxins, stress, etc. can cause an imbalance of the bacteria that should be
floating around in the stomach. Leaky gut syndrome, and Candidiasis is usually
the result. Most people with MS have experienced yeast infections, constipation
and other bowel issues. We know it, we just don't like to advertise it.
Probiotics
as nutritional supplements in some foods like yogurt are not all created equally. You have
to read the labels They need to contain live bacteria. Some of the fancy, fruit
filled brands do not.
Without
going into a long explanation of the list below, these are some probiotics that
may help. If you want more information and links, I'll be happy to put them on
my blog, or Facebook notes.Herbs can actually kill only the bad bacteria while not harming
the good; the drug does not have the wisdom to differentiate. Furthermore, most
bacteria are not fooled by all isolated compound; the drug becomes ineffective
or the cells mutate eventually to become resistant to the drug. The organic
herb is nature's match for the bacteria.
o Vitamin C
o Shark Liver Oil
o Garlic
o Licorice
o St.John's Wort
o Grapefruit Seed
o oregon grape
o Oregano Oil
o Tumeric
o Tea tree oil
o Goldenseal
o Bee Propolis
o Aloe Vera
(As a side note: Calendula tea is good
for eczema, allergies, chronic respiratory infection, colds, flu, fevers, or
coughs. Calendula tea alone or with myrrh can be used as a gargle for gum,
mouth, and throat infections. Myrrh is especially beneficial for mucus
membranes and stimulates white blood cell production. Use calendula in
combination with the immune stimulant Echinacea for tonsillitis.)
There are things you can do to lower the possibility of
developing antibiotic resistance.
In some instances,
antibiotics may be necessary. If you have a history of antibiotic use, the
following advice will strengthen your immune system:
·
Probiotics are
important in re-colonizing the intestine after antibiotic use. Probiotic
supplements replenish the beneficial bacteria, preventing up to 50% of
infections occurring after antibiotic use.
·
Avoid sugar - sucrose,
dextrose, glucose, maltose, corn sweeteners, turbinado sugar, maple syrup,
molasses, and any other products made with sugar.
·
Avoid white flour
products and all refined carbohydrates including white rice, bread, pizza,
crackers, soft drinks, cookies, ice cream, white flour pasta, sweetened juices,
non-diluted fruit juices, jams, alcoholic beverages, and caffeinated drinks.
·
Strictly avoid: yeast,
beer, wine, supplements containing yeast, bread made with yeast, mushrooms,
vinegar, peanuts, pistachios, leftovers (contain mold), cheese, and melons.
·
Do not take an
antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or the flu.
·
Do not save some of
your antibiotic for the next time you get sick. Flush any leftover medication
once you have completed your prescribed course of treatment.
·
Do not take
antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be appropriate
for your illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and
allow bacteria to multiply.
·
If your healthcare
provider determines that you do not have a bacterial infection, ask about
alternative ways to help relieve your symptoms. Do not pressure your provider
to prescribe an antibiotic. You aren't being cheated out of your co-pay if you
leave the doctor's office without a prescription.
Oil of Oregano
Probiotics
References
1. www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/anti_resist.html.
2. www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community.
3. Haas, Elson, Staying Healthy with Nutrition (2006), Celestial Arts, Berkeley
1. www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/anti_resist.html.
2. www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community.
3. Haas, Elson, Staying Healthy with Nutrition (2006), Celestial Arts, Berkeley
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